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Green Card renewals

Can A Green Card Holder Qualify For Social Security?

Social Security benefits are a vital source of income for many Americans, and they can also be important for green card holders. In order to qualify for Social Security benefits, you must meet certain requirements, including having a certain number of work credits. Like any other person in the United States who works and pays taxes, Legal Permanent Residents, often called green card holders, must have 40 qualifying credits, approximately 10 years, to earn Social Security benefits.

However, there are some exceptions to this rule. For example, if you are a green card holder who is married to a U.S. citizen, you may be able to qualify for social security benefits even if you have not worked in the U.S. for ten years.

How A Green Card Holder Can Apply For Social Security

If you believe you may be eligible for Social Security benefits, you can apply online or by mail. You will need to provide

  • your Social Security number
  • your date of birth
  • your work history

You may also need to provide other documentation, such as your marriage certificate or your green card.

The types of Social Security benefits that green card holders may be eligible for include:

  • Retirement benefits
  • Disability benefits
  • Survivor benefits
  • Dependent benefits

The amount of benefits you receive will depend on your earnings history and the type of benefit you are receiving.

How To Apply For A Green Card

There are two different ways to apply for LPR status and a green card. The correct approach depends on whether an applicant is already in the United States or is applying from his or her country of residence.

  1. Some individuals file applications for LPR status when they are already in the country. A person often does this when they are in the U.S. and want the right to remain in the U.S. indefinitely. This person would file for an immigrant visa in conjunction with an application to adjust his or her status. The application process does not require an applicant to leave the country.
  2. Applicants outside the United States and applicants who are not eligible for adjustment of status go through something known as consular processing. An immigrant visa petition is  filed on behalf of the person. However they are required to interview at the U.S. consulate or embassy in a foreign national’s home country. 

An experienced green card attorney can help anyone applying for legal permanent residency, regardless of whether they need to pursue an adjustment of status or navigate consular processing.

Talk To A Green Card Lawyer

An experienced immigration lawyer can prevent problems before they happen, protect your rights and help you resolve your immigration problems. To get started on your case, call Godoy Law Office at 630-912-0322 or reach out online to schedule a consultation with one of the experienced immigration attorneys today.

We help clients in all 50 states.

 

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